Last week, we shared new scheme that is a modern twist on the post-war ’10-pound Pom’ scheme. In a move welcomed by the South Australian Business Chamber, young backpackers will be able to help business owners and employers fill vacancies across the state.
In what is a considerably more comfortable journey that the original one taken by the British and Irish, the 24 hour flight for 200 lucky travellers will be heavily subsidised by the Government of South Australia through the South Australian Tourism Commission.
NEW: As promised, we have followed up on behalf of our members and the broader South Australian business community. What we have found out is that:
If you are a the South Australian Business Chamber member with skilled or unskilled vacancies and want to advertise these opportunities, you can send the details of the skills you are looking for to Karen van Gorp, the South Australian Business Chamber: karenv@business-sa.com.
Details from last week:
Pre-COVID, the backpacker market was a significant employer within the hospitality, tourism and primary industry sector. South Australia had 27,000 working holiday visitors to the state in 2019, spending $47 million in the visitor economy.
Renmark Paringa Network Chair Clint Lewan says that schemes like this can really benefit the regions but he cautions that they should specifically target skilled young workers.
“For example, If you’re a chef or a mechanic, you will find a job here in the Riverland with relative ease. I encourage all skilled young British and Irish workers to take advantage of the opportunity, come up to the Riverland and enjoy our beautiful region and lifestyle.
“But for unskilled young workers, particularly in horticulture, we do seem to have people to do the work out there already. Unfortunately, local labour hire firms are being priced out of the market with international worker subsidies. We should always try to employ local first.”
Starting in May, young British and Irish people will be able to buy flights out of Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh or Dublin to Adelaide from Qatar Airways.
Those interested must be eligible to get a working holiday visa for Australia and be able to travel before 30 September 2022.
Find out more at southaustralia.com.
